Black saltwort (Lysimachia maritima, Atti Soc. Ital. Sci. Nat. Mus. Civico Storia Nat. Milano 146: 229 (2005))

Family: Primulaceae

Author: (L.) Galasso, Banfi & Soldano

Bibliography: Atti Soc. Ital. Sci. Nat. Mus. Civico Storia Nat. Milano 146: 229 (2005)

Year: 2005

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lysimachia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Temp. Northern Hemisphere

Description

Black saltwort, scientifically named Lysimachia maritima, is a fascinating plant predominantly found across the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. This species belongs to the Primulaceae family, a well-known family that encompasses a wide range of flowering plants.

The discovery and classification of Black saltwort were detailed in a publication by the Italian Society of Natural Sciences and the Civic Museum of Natural History of Milan. This significant work, compiled in 2005 by renowned botanists Galasso, Banfi, and Soldano, has played a critical role in our understanding of the plant’s taxonomy and ecological preferences.

Characteristically, Black saltwort thrives in coastal habitats, where it often endures saline conditions, hinting at its common name. The plant’s resilience in such environments illustrates its adaptation strategies, making it a subject of interest for studies on plant ecology and environmental stress tolerance.

The morphology of Lysimachia maritima is notable for its succulent-like leaves, which serve as a water storage mechanism, enabling the plant to survive in dry, saline soils. The flowers of Black saltwort are typically small and unassuming but contribute to the overall biodiversity of coastal ecosystems.

In addition to its ecological importance, Black saltwort is often studied for its potential benefits in soil stabilization and habitat restoration, particularly in areas affected by high salinity. Understanding and preserving such species is crucial, as they play an integral role in maintaining the health and stability of their native environments.

Ultimately, Lysimachia maritima serves as a remarkable example of plant adaptation and resilience, offering insights into the complex interplay between flora and their habitats. The work spearheaded by Galasso, Banfi, and Soldano remains a valuable resource for botanists and ecologists who continue to explore the wonders of plant life in the Northern Hemisphere.

Common Names

Deu: milchkraut
Dan: sandkryb
Eng: sea milkwort, saltwort, sea-milkwort, black saltwort
Fin: merirannikki
Swe: merirannikki, strandkrypa
Nob: strandkryp
Nno: strandkryp
Fra: glaux maritime, glauce maritime, glaux
Sme: gáddenjomot
En: Black saltwort, Sea milkweed, Sea milkwort, Saltwort, Sea-milkwort
Cs: Sivěnka přímořská
Da: Sandkryb
Nl: Melkkruid
Et: Rannikas
Fi: Merirannikki
Fr: Glaux maritime, Glauce maritime, Glaux, Herbe au lait
De: Salz-Milchkraut, Salzmilchkraut, Strand-Milchkraut, Strandmilchkraut, Milchkraut
Ga: Lus an tsailte
Kk: Етжапырақ
Lt: Pajūrinė pienažolė
Se: Gáddenjomot
Nb: Strandkryp
Nn: Strandkryp
Fa: شبدر شور
Pl: Mlecznik nadmorski
Sv: Strandkrypa, Merirannikki
Tr: Deniz süt otu
Cy: Glas yr heli

Synonyms

• Glaux maritima f. longifolia (Merino)
• Vroedea maritima (Bubani)
• Lysimachia maritima var. obtusifolia ((Fernald) Yonek.)
• Glaux maritima var. angustifolia (B.Boivin)
• Glaux maritima var. macrophylla (B.Boivin)
• Glaux maritima var. rosea (Freyn)
• Glaux maritima var. obtusifolia (Fernald)
• Glaux spicata (Phil. ex R.Knuth)
• Glaux maritima (L.)
• Glaux maritima subsp. obtusifolia ((Fernald) B.Boivin)
• Glaux generalis (E.H.L.Krause)
• Glaux maritima f. brevifolia (Merino)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• California (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Chita (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Iran (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Krym (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Qinghai (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Utah (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken May 8, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2017 by Albert V. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 18, 2021 by S K (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 18, 2021 by S K (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2019 by Rebecca Lehmann (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 5, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2019 by Josef Hodek (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 13, 2003 by Cédric Jankowiak (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 23, 2022 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2022 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jun 22, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Claude FIGUREAU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2022 by wjgoe (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4007442)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77068343-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lysimachia maritima (L.) Galasso, Banfi & Soldano)

Specifications

Growth form: Rhizomatous

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth rate: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Soil nutriments: 5

Soil salinity: 5